The topic of focus for this assessment and project is traditions and customs. There is an interest in this topic because it will help a person better understand their own beliefs and how they differ from those of other people. When human beings connect with others, they must be aware of how they live, think, and show their traditions and customs in their daily lives. Danso (2018) states that cultural and social understanding and awareness are critical to comprehending how various societal improvements influence our lives. Studying customs and traditions will help me understand why some aspects of culture have remained unchanged. This assessment will choose and examine artifacts reflecting a hero for this examination, heroic traits and transformational journey they depict; the artifacts chosen are Gate A-4 and Fish Cheeks.
Selected Artifacts
“Gate A-4,” a photograph of a woman in an embarrassing circumstance, is the first artifact chosen. The photograph focuses on two women and the events that transpire following the postponement of their journey (Marchi, 2019). The author tells the account of a woman from an Arab society who could not communicate since she assumed their vacation had been canceled and rescheduled for a later date because she could not speak English at all (Bai, 2020). This is where the author details how these two women came to form a bond. When the older woman shares her Palestinian treats with everyone, it creates a sense of community among the group of travelers.
The next artefact is titled “Fish Cheeks,” it follows a delightful young Chinese-American girl named Amy and her parents as they play host to a priest and his family for a Christmas Eve meal. The young lady is uncomfortable discussing her Chinese heritage with Robert, the priest’s son because she feels it would make her appear exotic to the person she has feelings for (Danso, 2018). Throughout the meal, she is reduced to how her family presents their Chinese culture to the priest’s family. For instance, her father’s burping, a Chinese practice of announcing that one is content, is brought up throughout the meal.
Differences and Similarities Between Cultures and How They Relate to the Chosen Topic
The two stories, discuss rituals and ceremonies, they help understand the significance of culture for individuals, particularly as they get older and move farther into their adult lives. The narratives assist in getting a deeper comprehension of the pressures that have been there since the beginning of time (Danso, 2018). At the same time that the younger generation is working to popularize its mode of living, the older generation is making an effort to preserve the norms and practices of the younger generation.
Similarities
In “Gate A-4,” a Palestinian woman gives some of the customary Palestinian treats she has made to the woman who comes after her. Both cultures are hospitable in that each artifact portrays food being served to outsiders. The two artefacts are representations of typical meals. For their Christmas meal at “Fish Cheeks,” the Chinese family recreated a traditional Chinese dining experience for their guests. Both of these practices are considered to be standard norms. In the story “Gate A-4,” a Palestinian woman dresses up as a cut plant while on the road to give the impression that the plant is well-established (Danso, 2018). In addition, both of these artifacts adhere to a tradition that values hospitability and openness to new experiences.
Differences
In “Gate A-4,” a Palestinian woman gives the lady sitting next to her some of the traditional Palestinian treats that she enjoys. Both of these things have cupboards on them. A Chinese family prepares a delicious and authentic Chinese lunch for guests at “Fish Cheeks” (Marchi, 2019). Both of these components are rather typical (Danso, 2018). The Palestinian woman seen in “Gate A-4” was dressed in pruned work. The representation of this plant was made. In the episode “Fish Cheeks,” Amy’s father celebrates the success of his meal as if it were some ancient Chinese ceremony.
Cultural Values and Beliefs
These historical artefacts teach us valuable information and a lesson about the need to maintain social variety. According to Danso (2018), specific communities and ethnic groups in various countries worldwide are responsible for creating adverse effects. Both the artifact known as “Fish Cheeks” and the one known as “Gate A-4” emphasize how important it is to acknowledge societal diversity. The demarcation of different types of minority populations in the United States is one of the two purposes (Conway-Klaassen & Maness, 2017). Tan has chosen to take his place among the Chinese rather than the more physically imposing Caucasians.
Main Takeaways
The importance of community and education for the next generation of young people via the stories of culture and custom was understood. As a result of the stories, one understands better the underlying tensions that persist throughout generations. The older generation cherishes traditional values and practices, while the younger age actively seeks newer values and traditions. The ability to be open-minded will grow as a result of this experience. People who have a broader perspective on the world are more empathetic and less quick to judge others. Since people are marrying and traveling worldwide, the diversity of civilizations has expanded recently.
Understanding the Cultures and How They Can Benefit to one’s Personal, Academic and Professional Life
A deeper understanding of our society’s age difference has been gained because of these tales. While the older generation tries to preserve the traditions of the younger, the latter aspires to create their own distinct culture. Since reading the two stories, one learns more about the importance of culture and tradition and how important it is to teach children early. The author’s family invites the priest’s family to supper on Christmas Eve, highlighting the importance of the neighborhood. A traditional Chinese dinner was then set up in honor of the event’s history.
References
Bai, L. (2020). Translating Chinese culture into English: From sole patronage to joint patronage. Perspectives, 28(5), 689-701.
Conway-Klaassen, J., & Maness, L. (2017). Critical conversations: Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competency.American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, 30(1), 34-37.
Danso, R. (2018). Cultural competence and humility: A critical reflection on key cultural diversity concepts.Journal of Social Work, 18(4), 410- 430.
Marchi, L. (2019). Engaging with Otherness in Everyday Life: Naomi Shihab Nye’s De-Familiarizing Poems. In Thinking with the Familiar in Contemporary Literature and Culture’Out of the Ordinary’ (pp. 119-133). Brill. Web.